"IGOR"
DVD Review
by Kevin Carr
| MOVIE: ** (out of 5 stars)
DVD EXPERIENCE: *** (out of 5 stars) STARRING John Cusack as IGOR Steve Buscemi as SCAMPER Sean Hayes as BRAIN Eddie Izzard as DR. SCHADENFREUDE Jennifer Coolidge as JACLYN/HEIDI Jay Leno as KING MALBERT Rated PG Studio: MGM Directed by: Anthony Leondis Back to DVD Review Home |  |
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
A dark cloud has covered the mysterious land of Malaria. In order to keep competitive in the world, the king of Malaria has given incentives to evil scientists to make terrifying devices. To help out the evil scientists are Igors, which include anyone born with a hump on his back. One Igor, named Igor (John Cusack) wishes that he could become an evil scientist as well.
When Igor’s evil scientist is killed in a lab experiment gone haywire, Igor joins with his friends (which are really nothing more than his own failed creations) to make a creature and bring life into the world. But he also learns some things about his creation and the need to be evil.
WHAT I LIKED
Now that computer animation has become so slick over the past few years, it’s not just Pixar and DreamWorks that can put together some snazzy films. On the whole, “Igor” has a fine look, and it is no longer in a category that is severely inferior to the other films out there.
As a fan of horror movies, new and old, I appreciate the premise of “Igor.” Anything that deals with mad scientists and giant laboratories creating horrible creatures can’t be all that bad. And, as we’ve seen with many films, the supporting cast of failed experiments (including a suicidal bunny that can’t die and the stupidest brain in the world) are the best parts of this movie.
Ultimately as a safe not-too-scary film with a scary film premise, “Igor” can be enjoyable for the kids.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Now that CGI has become the standard for animated films, “Igor” goes up against some really stiff competition. Let’s not forget that it was released in the same year as “WALL-E” and “Kung Fu Panda,” two of the best CGI movies we’ve seen in a while. Of course, it’s also released against “Delgo” and “Fly Me to the Moon,” so it came in above those.
While the movie had a decent focus with the characters, it does get a bit too preachy at times. Additionally, the film breaks down in the middle with the creature fulfilling her odd dream of starring in the musical “Annie.”
While kids will enjoy it, parents might get a bit bored.
DVD FEATURES
The DVD comes with a commentary track by director Tony Leondis, writer Chris McKenna and producer Max Howard. There’s also an alternate opening sequence that comes with an informative commentary as well. Finally there’s concept art galleries and trailers for upcoming FOX and MGM titles.
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Kids and old school scary movie fans that don’t mind a little show tunes.
